Joel Meyerowitz

CMoore · Mar 30, 2018

He has a "Master Class"............

Not sure quite how to put this.......
His name often elicits responses and opinions that are...Divisive/Contrasting/Unflattering/Gushing Of Admiration/Etc etc.......all over the map.
Myself included.
I do not like Picasso, I do not like Jackson Pollock.
I like Rembrandt, i like Norman Rockwell, i like Garry Winogrand and i like Dorothea Lange.
I am not sure what i think about Joel. I like SOME of his stuff.....
I enjoy listening to him speak, i probably enjoy his discussions of photography more than i enjoy his photography.

Am i way out of bounds with him.?
His name has been conflated with "The Greats" for many, many years now. He has made a living (as far as i know) as a professional photographer for about the last 50 years.
What do you guys think of Joel Weyerowitz.?

chip j · Mar 30, 2018

His discussions ARE more enjoyable than his photos.

piffey · Mar 30, 2018

His work on Bystander was great. His 8x10 work, Florida work and color street work are all interesting, but far from the best. I think I most enjoyed his phase of only shooting things 12ft or more away -- he had a good way of compiling a scene, similar to how Gus Powell has now, that instinctive right moment to hit the shutter. I don't really enjoy his new still life stuff that he is doing, but I bought his retrospective anyways. When I look at photographers who have spanned their careers with lots of different types of work I'm always more inclined to go with Stephen Shore or Anthony Hernandez when I think of masters of several elements. I think Stephen Shore is better at discussing photography -- he's been able to explain photographs I like, but am unsure why and that's opened a lot of critical doors for my mind photographically. That all said, Joel does have an incredible work effort (hundreds and hundreds of shows) and has a passion for photography that's hard to find. I think he's made great contributions to the world of street photography even if it was just to help with the push for color photography being more accepted in art circles.

trendland · Mar 30, 2018

Well I just remember a simular debate on Annie Leybowitz. Here in case of Joel I would state the oposite than to Annie.
Joel is indeed a R E A L Master (one of 4 ...max 5 pioneers in color) - but if a so called Masterclass is the real choice is a general problem from my point.
A masterclass (from real value) is to work with Joel to min. some years.
The only way is to become his assistence
(no way any more) and then you hadn't to pay for - you would had income from this. The only way todays : Time Machine.
E.T.A. : June 1964....
with regards

PS : Best way : "Joel I want to become a good assistance to you - but I urgend want to learn the loading of color films in the future - is there any chance you see?"

trendland · Mar 30, 2018

piffey said:
His work on Bystander was great. His 8x10 work, Florida work and color street work are all interesting, but far from the best. I think I most enjoyed his phase of only shooting things 12ft or more away -- he had a good way of compiling a scene, similar to how Gus Powell has now, that instinctive right moment to hit the shutter. I don't really enjoy his new still life stuff that he is doing, but I bought his retrospective anyways. When I look at photographers who have spanned their careers with lots of different types of work I'm always more inclined to go with Stephen Shore or Anthony Hernandez when I think of masters of several elements. I think Stephen Shore is better at discussing photography -- he's been able to explain photographs I like, but am unsure why and that's opened a lot of critical doors for my mind photographically. That all said, Joel does have an incredible work effort (hundreds and hundreds of shows) and has a passion for photography that's hard to find. I think he's made great contributions to the world of street photography even if it was just to help with the push for color photography being more accepted in art circles.

Steven Shore was indeed one of Joels early kamerades. If Joels masterclass would be closed due to imense demand I would ask Steven.
This is also a real alternate in regard of my Time Maschine idea :
1964 - 1967 assistance with Joel
1967 phone call to Steven :"I worked 3 years with Joel and I can't load bw film any more. He is allways using color since a couple of month. Well and that would be my only condition. I don't want to miss this ........is there a chance to come together ?"

with regards

trendland · Mar 30, 2018

PS : Perhaps the inspiration of New Color Photographers came indeed from Time Travelers???? Think about!!!
with regards

cliveh · Mar 30, 2018

He is a good talker.

Ko.Fe. · Mar 30, 2018

I went to see his prints, BW and in colors. I watched old film about him. And purchased his book in the Vallue Village second hand discount store.
Where are some fine and nice pictures. And he talks great.
I think, he is not the greatest one in photography I'm capable to understand and like.

hoffy · Mar 31, 2018

I think, like Shore, their best work was done in the 70s when they were just established, but still fresh and innovative.

Ivo · Mar 31, 2018

Meyerowitz’ early colorwork is very interesting. Little bit difficult to understand for an European citizen.
Same for Eggleston.
As a Belgian I am very happy we have Harry Gruyaert who imported this image language to Belgium, this made it better understandable.

My favorite kind of photography far more than p.e. Selgado which’s work I sometimes find boring.

Maybe that is the reason why I find Picasso’s sculptures absolute top and Pollocks paintings an endless expedition and joy.

slackercrurster · Mar 31, 2018

chip j said:
His discussions ARE more enjoyable than his photos.

Concur.

He is an elder statesman from the golden age of photography...1970's. So he is due his dose of respect.

As far as his photos? It is the same deal with Winogrand. When both of these photogs names are mentioned they trot out the same old standbys. Winogrand shot over a million pix...shouldn't he have a few others to trot out?

Anyway, Meyerowitz gives good speeches. I like his hammock flapping in the wind and a few others. Am sick of seeing that ancient photo of the guy lying in the street. His work does not offend anyone nor will his speeches offend. As such, he is in demand.

My work and my speeches would offend, so I am kept underground.

CMoore · Mar 31, 2018

slackercrurster said:
Concur.

He is an elder statesman from the golden age of photography...1970's. So he is due his dose of respect.

As far as his photos? It is the same deal with Winogrand. When both of these photogs names are mentioned they trot out the same old standbys. Winogrand shot over a million pix...shouldn't he have a few others to trot out?

Anyway, Meyerowitz gives good speeches. I like his hammock flapping in the wind and a few others. Am sick of seeing that ancient photo of the guy lying in the street. His work does not offend anyone nor will his speeches offend. As such, he is in demand.

My work and my speeches would offend, so I am kept underground.

Well said, indeed.

doughowk · Apr 11, 2018

Interesting interview about his new book
http://lenscratch.com/2018/04/joel-meyerowitz/

Peter Schrager · Apr 11, 2018

Doug thanks for the link!!

CMoore · Apr 11, 2018

Yes...nice link.
I have mentioned before, i enjoy hearing him speak about photography, as much as i do (sometimes more) Looking at His Photos. And reading (just starting to read) this interview brings that back to mind.....i can tell the guy is talking to Meyerowitz.
Speaking of his photos.....that first frame, of the brown haired girl, in the blue top. in that gathering of people, is really gorgeous.

CMoore · Apr 11, 2018

Holy Cow, he is 80 year old.....

Patrick Robert James · Apr 12, 2018

I wouldn't say I am a fan of his. He gets ballyhooed as a street photographer, but I think his best work is Cape Light. In a way they are like Shore's work, but instead of being descriptive like Shore's they have a beauty as well.

ericdan · Apr 12, 2018

Very passionate photographer but his work is mediocre.
He likes photography and gets excited talking about it. I like that.

slackercrurster · Apr 26, 2018

ericdan said:
Very passionate photographer but his work is mediocre.
He likes photography and gets excited talking about it. I like that.

That about sums him up. His work does not offend anyone, so that is a plus for exhibition.

Doc W · Apr 26, 2018

I had only heard his name but never actually saw his work. I took the time this evening and I am totally floored. What an amazing eye! I am puzzled that so many of you think he is mediocre, but taste being taste...

CMoore · Apr 27, 2018

Doc W said:
I had only heard his name but never actually saw his work. I took the time this evening and I am totally floored. What an amazing eye! I am puzzled that so many of you think he is mediocre, but taste being taste...

I cannot quite put my finger on it.
Very few professional photographers leave me with the odd feeling that he does. I DO like A Lot of his pictures, but i seem to think just as many are "mediocre" for some reason. He seems to have that affect on many people.
Yet he knew and associated with some of the "biggest names" in photography, and was indeed their contemporary.
He is knowledgeable, and as many have mentioned, quite passionate about and interested in photography and photo history.
I suppose it is just like ANY art form.?.....some people think XYZ is a genius, and others wonder what the big deal is..
I love to hear Mick Taylor, and John Fogerty and Mike Campbell play guitar. I have no interest in hearing Eddy Van Halen play. David Bowie.?.....never understood what the big deal was with him.
Metallica.?.....i am not sure, but i might enjoy listening to Rap Music more than Metallics, and i hate Rap Music.

Ste_S · Apr 27, 2018

ericdan said:
Very passionate photographer but his work is mediocre.
He likes photography and gets excited talking about it. I like that.

More or less agree with that. Some of his street work is outstanding though and fits in nicely with the other colour photographers from that age.
There's a recent podcast interview with him on The Candid Frame and he's an incredibly eloquent man and quite inspiring.

Bought "Where I Find Myself" and while the quality of the work isn't consistent throughout, it works well as a whole.
While say something like his recent still life photos don't work for me, I can kind of appreciate them from an 80 year old man pottering around his barn in Tuscany trying to keep excited about photography

trendland · Apr 27, 2018

CMoore said:
He has a "Master Class"............

Not sure quite how to put this.......
His name often elicits responses and opinions that are...Divisive/Contrasting/Unflattering/Gushing Of Admiration/Etc etc.......all over the map.
Myself included.
I do not like Picasso, I do not like Jackson Pollock.
I like Rembrandt, i like Norman Rockwell, i like Garry Winogrand and i like Dorothea Lange.
I am not sure what i think about Joel. I like SOME of his stuff.....
I enjoy listening to him speak, i probably enjoy his discussions of photography more than i enjoy his photography.

Am i way out of bounds with him.?
His name has been conflated with "The Greats" for many, many years now. He has made a living (as far as i know) as a professional photographer for about the last 50 years.
What do you guys think of Joel Weyerowitz.?

Look : The general disadvantage of a masterclass is just into the name "master"....to some people it may be a real great thing - to make proffessional work. I realy can understand this. But it seams to be not possible to come out of the "shadow" of his master - ever.....

So it is in practice from real masterclasses (at the university).
Many many people suffered (for years) to get their own reputation.
Of course they learned much in such courses but they have to follow their
university lecturer (professor) - and you will have no chance to make it different as the official meaning of your master is allowing you.

So their is no way within some couple of years to find your own style (wich has to be different)
........but if I ever would follow a masterclass my choice would be indeed with real masters.

And there is no question about :
Meyerowitz is one of this kind of real
MASTERS....

with regards

cliveh · Apr 27, 2018

I can't speak for his large format photography, but his street Leica shots gives me the impression he has a more spray and pray technique, rather than considered shots.

Ste_S · Apr 30, 2018

cliveh said:
I can't speak for his large format photography, but his street Leica shots gives me the impression he has a more spray and pray technique, rather than considered shots.

That's street photography, no ? See something flash in front of you that may be interesting, take the photo. If you're stopping for a considered shot, you've normally missed the moment.

Joel Meyerowitz

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